31 Where Are Its Eyes?-Mid

Where Are Its Eyes? FOCUS Question Why do different animals have eyes in different places?

A Good View Animals use their eyes to see. Some animals have eyes on the sides of their head. Some animals have eyes on the front of their head. Other animals have eyes that are not on their head at all! The location of animals eyes lets them see the world in different ways.

Eyes on the Side Animals with an eye on each side of their head can see to the front. They can see to the side. They can even see behind them! These animals don't have to turn their head to be safe. They can see danger on all sides! Wowser A zebra can see a lion almost directly behind it without turning its head.

Using Two Eyes Together Eyes on the front of the head are closer together. Each eye sees a view that is a bit different. The brain puts the views together to make one picture. Seeing one picture shows the animal how far away something is, or its distance. It also shows depth. Depth is how long something is from front to back.

Seeing the Whole Picture Having two eyes in front also lets animals see through things. At least it seems that way. Is the view from one eye blocked? The brain uses what the other eye sees and fills in the rest. The animal sees the whole picture. This helps lions see zebras through tall grass. Sneaky! Try This Hold a finger right in front of your eyes. The finger only blocks one eye. It looks as though you can see through your finger.

Eyes on Stalks Some animals have eyes that stick out from their head. The eyes are on eyestalks. An eyestalk is like a finger with an eye at the tip. It can move to see all around. Snails have eyestalks. They can protect their eyes by pulling each one into the shell!